Looking for inspiring things to do in Bath this summer? Whether you're visiting for the day, spending the summer holidays in the city, or live locally, Bath Abbey is brimming with activity throughout August, with even more to look forward to this September and beyond.
From our ever-popular tower tours and interactive family fun to live music, theatre, and engaging talks, here’s your full guide to what’s on – plus handy links to book tickets, and how to make the most of your visit.
Take a look at our digital What's On Booklet here.
🌟 Planning Your Visit to Bath Abbey
Open daily, Bath Abbey welcomes visitors of all ages to discover the Abbey’s rich history and vibrant present. We recommend checking our opening hours regularly before you visit, as the Abbey is a working church and is at times closed for visiting due to special services.
🏰 Go Higher with a Bath Abbey Tower Tour
Climb the 212 steps of Bath Abbey’s tower for incredible panoramic views of Bath. Along the way, see the ringing chamber, the Abbey bells, and the clock mechanism up close.
🎟️ Book your Tower Tour now
🧭 Explore with a Floor Tour
Join one of our guided floor tours to uncover the stories hidden beneath the Abbey's floor. Learn about the fascinating history, ancient burials, and the architecture that has stood for centuries.
📅 Included in admission, various times throughout the day when available
🧠 Dive into History at the Discovery Museum
Perfect for families and curious minds! Our Discovery Museum offers hands-on exhibits and immersive digital displays revealing the Abbey’s past, from Roman remains to modern restoration.
🎧 Enhance Your Experience with an Audio Guide
Make the most of your visit with our informative and affordable audio guides. Explore at your own pace and uncover the fascinating stories of the Abbey’s stained glass, memorials, and more.
🔊 Ask at the welcome desk when you arrive or add on to your online order
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Families can enjoy free trail booklets (with a Bath Abbey pencil included), engaging displays in the Discovery Centre, and There are free Family Fun Days on selected days. Children aged 5+ love the tower tours – a real summer holiday highlight!
In September, our popular Little Abbey Explorers sessions return once per month (22nd September, 20th October and 24th November). From drama and singing to crafting and story time, these morning sessions are specially designed for children and their carers.
- 9.30am-10.30am - 2-4 years
- 11am-12 noon - Under 2s
♿ Accessibility at Bath Abbey
We welcome everyone at Bath Abbey and aim to offer a space for all to enjoy the architecture, atmosphere and history. We are committed to making your visit as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Our friendly team of staff and volunteers are here to help - please just ask.
👉 Find out more about accessibility and plan your visit
🎭 Events at Bath Abbey this August
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Antic Disposition
Don’t miss this stunning performance of Shakespeare’s classic comedy inside the beautiful setting of the Abbey. With spectacular lighting and a sprinkle of summer magic, it’s the perfect theatrical night out.
📅 8–29 August | 🕗 7.45pm
🎟️ Book your tickets here
Bach@Bath275 – Final Concerts
As we continue to celebrate 275 years since the death of Johann Sebastian Bach, enjoy the final two concerts of this incredible year-long series:
🎼 Saturday 30 August
🎼 Friday 19 September
🎟️ Book now via Bath Box Office
Tuesdays@1 – Free Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Every Tuesday at 1pm, take a break with music from renowned organists playing our magnificent Klais Organ. It’s the perfect cultural pause in your day – no booking required!
📅 Every Tuesday in August, 1pm
💷 Free entry, donations welcome
Don’t Miss the Bath Abbey Shop
Bath Abbey Shop offers a wonderful range of products inspired by stories of the Abbey. It also stocks a wide range of Christian gifts, books, and bibles for all ages.
Make time to peruse during your visit to Bath, or on your way out of the Abbey
✨ Daily Worship at the Heart of the Abbey
As always, worship remains central to life at Bath Abbey. Visitors are warmly welcome to join us for peaceful, reflective services:
- Morning Prayer – Monday to Friday at 8.30am
- Evening Prayer – Monday to Friday at 5.30pm
- Sunday Services – Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, Sung Eucharist, Choral Evensong and Informal Service
🕊️ Learn more about our services here, and make sure to check our What's On pages for seasonal service variations.
🔮 Looking Ahead to September
The summer may be flying by, but there’s plenty to look forward to in the autumn...
🖋️ Austens at the Abbey
As part of Bath’s city-wide Jane Austen celebrations, join us for an exciting programme exploring the Austen family’s deep links with Bath Abbey.
Join Dr Cathryn Spence as she shares the story of her historical detective work uncovering the connections between the Austens and the Abbey – from memorials to family records. Includes refreshments.
📅 Tuesday 16 September | 11.00am & 7.00pm
🎟️ Book your place
🌙 Austens After Hours – Evening Tours
Step into the Abbey after dark on this immersive, candle-lit tour, where you'll hear stories from the Austen era and walk in their footsteps through our atmospheric spaces.
🎟️ Limited places – book now
Other September Events at Bath Abbey
🎶 John Rutter: Confessions of a Composer
One of the world’s most beloved choral composers, John Rutter CBE, joins us for an intimate evening of stories, reflections, and musical insights.
📅 Sunday 28 September at 7pm
🎟️ Tickets available here
October Events at Bath Abbey
🕊️Peace Doves at Bath Abbey
Peace Doves is a mass participation artwork by Peter Walker. Thousands of handmade paper doves containing messages of peace, love, hope and friendship will be suspended in an illuminated installation in the crossing of the Abbey.
During your visit to the Abbey we invite you to write your message or prayer of peace, love, hope and friendship on a dove provided and post it in the box on the table. These doves will later form part of the final installation later this year.
📅 Write on a dove: Until 30th September
📅 View the exhibition: 3rd October - 14th November
👉Find out more about the Peace Doves exhibition
📍Plan Your Visit to Bath Abbey Today
Whether you're coming for worship, history, family activities or world-class events, Bath Abbey is a must-visit destination in the heart of the city this summer.
👉 Explore all events and services
👉 Buy tickets online
👉 Find visitor information & opening times
Bath Abbey’s Stained Glass Window Appeal
Help Us Celebrate Bath’s Local Saint in Glorious Stained Glass.
Through the creation of a new stained glass window designed by renowned Bath-based artist Neil Ireson, Bath Abbey will celebrate and commemorate the life of Saint Alphege, a Christian saint who was born in Bath in 953, became Abbot of Bath Abbey in the early 980s and Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006.
With a fundraising target of £90,000 to be raised by 31 December 2025, we invite you to support our appeal and become part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a beautiful new stained glass window in the church of Bath’s local saint.
Find out more, view the design and make a donation to the appeal here.
